Album Reviews

There's some good music coming out in 2011 and the summers not even here yet. I never review music that I don't like, cuz I don't believe in giving bad press. If you're familiar with my previous posts you know how I grade music. If you're unfamiliar here's the scoop. I rate in a five star system 5 being the highest 1 the lowest.  

Wiz Khalifa - Rolling Papers **** (4.50)

Wiz Khalifa’s highly anticipated album Rolling Papers has been released. The Pittsburgh native had a stream of successful hits during 2010 that propelled him to stardom. Rolling Papers is a solid first release. Wiz carries most of the album himself, featuring only three collaborations off the 15 track LP. This was a smart decision cuz it shows Wiz is confident enough that he doesn’t need big names to co-sign him. It also allows listeners to hear more vocal range and lyrical diversity from the artist.

Pharoahe Monch - W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) **** (4.50)

Pharoahe Monch has been recognized as a lyrical giant since the 90’s. He came in the game spitting as half of the rap duo Organized Konfusion with Prince Po. Since then he has released three group projects, two solo albums and has been featured on numerous mixtapes. With his new album W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) Pharoah Monch trades barbs with other lyrical titans like Styles P, Jean Grae, Royce Da 5,9, Immortal Technique, and others. The album has enough heat that it can be played without having to skip through songs looking for the hot track.

 

Lupe Fiasco - Lasers *** (3.75)

Lupe Fiasco’s sophomore album Lasers is a solid politically charged project. The Chi-town native discusses a variety of topics from struggles in the industry "The Show Goes On" to the state of education and health care in the U.S. on "Words I never say" and "State Run Radio". He speaks his mind while balancing the music with pop influenced tracks that have mass appeal. I feel this album shows growth for the artist and is a tribute to his growing fan-base.

 

Joell Ortiz - Free Agent **** (4.25)

Joell Ortiz buzz has been growing steady since the release of his first project The Brick (Bodega Chronicles) in 2007. He spent a short stint on Dr. Dre's Aftermath label before moving on to release the project independently. Joell is 1/4 of Super Group Slaughterhouse who drop their highly anticipated EP entitled, Slaughterhouse in February. The Brooklyn rhyme spitter holds nothing back on the new project Free Agent. He sticks to the formula of spittin hardcore rhymes with witty punchlines over head nodding production.

 

Strong Arm Steady - Arms and Hammers *** (3.75)

Strong Arm Steady (S.A.S) has been climbing out the underground since 2000. The group became known for spitting gang related flows backed by front man Xzibit. He left to continue his solo career in 2006 and the trio of Phil Da Agony, Mitchy Slick, and Krondon have continued working hard to make S.A.S a household name. Over the years they have recorded many mixtapes and have distributed them all over the world.The new project Arms and Hammers is 12 tracks of heat. Standout tracks like "All The Brothers" and "When Darkness Falls" shows the group can spit about more topics than just Gang Bangin.